Red Crab Migration

The red crab migration is Christmas Island’s biggest tourist attraction, drawing nature-lovers from all over the world.

The easiest places to watch the migration and spawning are Drumsite, Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach and Greta Beach. Possible red crab spawning dates for 2024/25 are 25-26 November, 26-27 December and 24-25 January (2025). To protect the red crabs, some sections of roads may close for part or all of the day during the peak migration time, often at short notice. But you can park your car and carefully walk among the sea of moving crabs as they make their way to and from the beach. You will also see crab bridges built over the roads. These are great places to stand and watch the flow of crabs. Public notice boards and local radios provide updates on crab movements during the migration.